The 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent choice for big-game hunting thanks to its low recoil, reduced wind drift, and flat trajectory. But you can’t use just any old 6.5 Creedmoor ammo for hunting since some rounds are made for target shooting while others are designed to put down game animals quickly and humanely.
Below, you’ll find the best 6.5 Creedmoor ammo for hunting available on the market. If you’re in a hurry, Winchester Expedition Big Game Long Range 142 Grain AccuBond LR is the best 6.5 Creedmoor for hunting, in my opinion.
However, if you want more options for your brand-new 6.5 Creedmoor hunting rifle, scroll down to see the complete list.
If you’re new to the 6.5 Creedmoor and aren’t sure what aspects make for better hunting ammo, check out this Buyer’s Guide HERE.
The Best 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo for Hunting
| Ammunition | Category |
|---|---|
| Winchester Expedition Big Game Long Range 142 grain AccuBond LR | Best Overall |
| Hornady American Whitetail 129 grain InterLock | Best for Deer Hunting |
| Federal Premium Power-Shok 140 Grain JSP | Best for Elk |
| Barnes VOR-TX 120 grain TTSX | Best for Mule Deer |
| Sellier & Bellot 140 grain SP | Budget-Friendly |
| Hornady 143 grain ELD-X Precision Hunter | Best for Bear |
How I Decided On The Best Hunting Ammo for the 6.5 Creedmoor
As an avid hunter and fan of the 6.5 Creedmoor, I researched, fired, and talked with experts about these rounds and listed them according to these criteria:
- Bullet Type & Design
- Terminal Ballistics
- Accuracy
- Price
- Availability
Many 6.5 Creedmoor rounds are designed for target shooting, so hunters must know what the projectile was intended for when buying 6.5 Creedmoor ammo. All the ammo listed below was designed for hunting.
To go along with bullet design, the terminal ballistics must be considered. Heavier projectiles are often better for large game animals, whereas medium game animals don’t require the kinetic energy that the heavy bullets exert.
I want a bullet that is as accurate as possible. Shot placement is the most critical part of making an ethical kill. As hunters, we need ammo that we can count on to hit where we’re aiming when the opportunity presents itself.
I’m a budget-minded hunter, so I tend to pinch pennies when possible, including my ammo choices. However, I don’t just go with the cheapest just because it’s the cheapest. I want the best bang for my buck.
Lastly, custom ammo is an excellent option, but it’s not always easy to find the load you need, so I tried to pick readily available ammo for hunters.
Best 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo for Hunting Overall
Winchester Expedition Big Game Long Range 142 grain AccuBond LR
Specs
| Casing | Nickel-Plated Brass |
|---|---|
| Bullet Type | AccuBond LR |
| Bullet Weight | 142 grain |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,700 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 2,298 ft-lbs |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can ethically harvest a wide variety of big game | Pricey |
| Feeds reliably | |
| Excellent terminal ballistics | |
| Extremely accurate |
Why I Chose It
Winchester Expedition Big Game Long Range 142 grain AccuBond LR is the best 6.5 Creedmoor hunting ammo overall because it can take many big game animals, feeds reliably, and is ridiculously accurate.
The 142 grain AccuBond LR bullet packs enough punch to ethically harvest elk, bear, and deer-sized game animals from close or long range, making it an excellent choice for hunters who chase more than one species throughout the year.
I’ve found the nickel-plated brass cases to feed in bolt-action or semi-auto rifles reliably, and Winchester has been trusted by hunters for many decades for quality ammo.
These rounds are incredibly accurate, thanks in part to the polymer tip. The AccuBond LR also has a high BC, meaning it is more aerodynamic than bullets with a lower BC. This allows it to be more accurate even at long distances.
The biggest drawback is the price of these rounds. They are not what I consider to be budget-friendly, but it’s gonna cost you if you want the best and Winchester Expedition Big Game Long Range 142 grain AccuBond LR is one of the best options on the market.
Best 6.5 Creedmoor Deer Hunting Ammo (Within 300 Yards)
Hornady American Whitetail 129 Grain InterLock
Specs
| Casing | Brass |
|---|---|
| Bullet Type | InterLock Jacketed Soft Point |
| Bullet Weight | 129 grain |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,820 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 2,277 ft-lbs |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Controlled expansion | Limited versatility |
| Very affordable | |
| Readily available | |
| Trusted brand |
Why I Chose It
Considering that Hornady invented the 6.5 Creedmoor, it should come as no surprise that Hornady American Whitetail ammo is one of the best deer hunting rounds on the market. I’ve always had good results when hunting with Hornady American Whitetail rounds.
One key to the round’s success is the patented InterLock design. This innovation in bullet technology uses the InterLock Ring, which locks the lead core and tapered jacket together while the bullet expands. This ensures that the lead core and jacket remain intact during expansion, maximizing penetration and kinetic energy delivered to the target.
Hornady American Whitetail ammo costs less than $2 per shot, and it’s pretty easy to find. While it isn’t great for hunting animals over 300 pounds at more than 250 yards, the American Whitetail cartridge is perfect for hunting a variety of creatures at shorter distances.
For more ammo options, check out our Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor ammo page.
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